Their models may not be for everyone, but at the end of the day, Radical has a winning formula: make an LMP race car for consumers. In fact, the formula is so successful that Caterham and Lola essentially replicated it with the SP/300.R.

Radical aims to further its model with a new closed-roof model, but before it does, the British manufacturer is taking the formula to a new price point more accessible to the common buyer.

The new SR1 takes a similar approach to the more expensive SR3 that set records at the Nurburgring, but coming in at £29,850 (before taxes, or about $46k at today's exchange rates including Value Added Tax), is a more affordable proposition that further entrenches Radical's goal of trouncing supercars costing twice its price or more. The Suzuki-souced 1.3-liter, four-cylinder motorbike engine has been tuned by Radical in this application to deliver 210 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. But considering its low weight, that's still tipped to be enough to propel the racecar-for-the-road to 60 in 3.6 seconds.

A Quaife ATB limited-slip differential and 240-millimeter ventilated disc brakes help keep things under control and an FIA-approved roll cage and integrated fire supression system are there in case they can't. Buyers can have racing slicks, rain tires or road rubber fitted according to their needs. So while the SR1 may be intended for track use, it can be driven to the track instead of stored or towed there and driven back home at the end of the day... all for less than you'd pay (in the UK) for even a base Porsche Boxster.

Check out the high-res gallery above along with the press release below for the full skinny.

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RADICAL ANNOUNCES THE SR1, A NEW AND THRILLING EDITION TO ITS GLOBAL RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHT SPORTSCARS
The entry-level sportscar with real racing credentials

Designed for enthusiasts looking to take their circuit driving to the next level with a focused sports-racing car, the SR1 concept wraps up the Radical ownership experience into one easy package with a comprehensive standard specification that is ideal for trackdays and club motorsport, including circuit racing, hillclimbs and sprints.

The SR1's LMP-inspired styling is no accident. Developed by the same team that created Radical's SR9 LMP2 racecar, the SR1 mirrors current prototype design, while the two-seater cockpit is ideal for professional driving tuition, or even entertaining business partners and friends. Powered by the exceptionally reliable, 210bhp RPE-Suzuki four-cylinder engine - used to great effect in a wide range of Radical's existing products - the SR1 features a six-speed sequential gearbox as standard, with a Quaife ATB differential ensuring very high levels of grip and control.

Braking is provided by 240mm, 30-vane ventilated discs with four-pot calipers that generate exceptional stopping power. Occupants are protected by a comprehensive safety cell and deformable crash structure tested to FIA standards, racing-specification harnesses and an integral fire extinguisher system. Latest-generation sportscar aerodynamics mean that the SR1 sticks to the track like only a Radical can, with grip limits far beyond the realms of its market rivals thanks to Radical-specific Dunlop slick, wet and road tyre options.

"Over the last decade, the SR range has introduced and inspired a new generation of racing and track driving enthusiasts, and the SR1 extends that engineering development out to a wider audience," said Radical co-founder Phil Abbott. "The SR1 is brilliant fun to drive and the performance is readily accessible for drivers of all abilities and ages. We're all really excited about the SR1 and I'm certain that it will be a huge success. You only have to take a brief test drive to discover just how good the car is!"

Unbeatable performance-for-pound ratio
The Radical SR1 retails at £29,850+VAT; in this price range, nothing touches it for speed and trackday ability. Revving higher, braking later and cornering harder than the opposition, the SR1 humbles GT and supercars with six-figure price tags.